sukanteam@nstp.com.my
JAKARTA: National chief coach Stephen van Huzien said he will shoulder the blame of losing to Japan in the final of the Asian Games on Saturday.
"I am fully responsible for the defeat, as my players gave everything they had in the match.
"There were also some decisions (by the umpires) which did not side us," said van Huizen.
However, he said such incidences do happen in sport, when the opponents rise their game, while those with a comfortable lead keep making mistakes.
"It is very painful, it (the pain) will be with me forever, it (gold) was in our hands but we let it go," said van Huizen after the final.
Malaysia were leading 5-2 at one stage, but allowed Japan to fight back and draw 6-6 before winning the shoot-out 3-1.
Van Huizen said everybody in the squad is equally shattered, as they almost qualified for the Olympics.
"If the Malaysian fans are disappointed we failed to win gold, imagine our feelings. We know the silver is still precious, but we wanted gold," said van Huizen.
On the match, Van Huizen said he had reminded the players not to go for a big win, as a one-goal victory would be enough, but because of certain reasons as well as being nervous, everything fell apart.
